Aqaba
Sign-language video coming soon.
Red Sea port city with coral reefs and year-round warm weather.
Information
Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, sitting at the northern tip of the Red Sea. Its reefs are popular for snorkelling and diving, and several shipwrecks lie offshore as planned dive sites. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone makes it a duty-free destination with relaxed shopping rules.
How to visit
Reach Aqaba by car (4 hours from Amman on the Desert Highway), by domestic flight, or by bus. For diving, book through a licensed centre such as the ones along the South Beach road. Public beaches can be busy on weekends; private hotel beaches are quieter.
Stops within this site
11 stops- Stop 1
Welcome to Aqaba Marine Reserve Visitor Center
Welcome to the Aqaba Marine Reserve Visitor Center, where you can discover and learn more about the marine reserve and its natural beauty in detail.
- Stop 2
Importance of Coral Reefs in Aqaba Marine Life
Coral reefs in Aqaba are essential for marine life, as they support biodiversity, protect shorelines from erosion, and provide habitats for fish. They must be protected from pollution and unsustainable human activities.
- Stop 3
About the reserve
The reserve protects marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable development and responsible use of Aqaba’s marine resources.
- Stop 4
Establishment of Aqaba Marine Reserve
Aqaba Marine Reserve was established in 2020 under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II to protect marine ecosystems and resources. It is managed by ASEZA and was officially designated as a national protected area on December 8, 2020.
- Stop 5
Marine Reserve Boundaries and Location
The marine reserve covers 7 km of Jordan’s southern coastline, from the Passenger Port in the south to the Royal Diving Club in the north. It extends 50 meters inland and up to 350 meters into the sea.
- Stop 6
Importance of Coral Protection
Coral are marine animals that form coral reefs with other species. These ecosystems are very fragile, so they should be observed from a distance without touching to ensure their protection for future generations.
- Stop 7
Keep The beach Clean
Keep our marine reserve clean—dispose of waste properly and leave nothing behind.
- Stop 8
Visitor Guidance and Signage Information
Signage has been installed across all reserve beaches to guide visitors on rules, instructions, and available services. For any further inquiries, visitors are welcome to contact the reserve team.
- Stop 9
An Accessible Beach for All
Towards Accessible and Inclusive Tourism for All
- Stop 10
Explore the Beauty of the Aqaba Marine Reserve
Explore the beauty of the Aqaba Marine Reserve, discover its rich marine biodiversity, and contribute to protecting its precious environment by engaging with nature and learning about the importance of biodiversity.
- Stop 11
Biodiversity in the Aqaba Marine Reserve
The rich biodiversity of the Aqaba Marine Reserve and its importance in protecting ecosystems and natural resources for future generations.